With the government bringing coronavirus business grant funding to a close on Friday, 28 August, businesses across Barking and Dagenham are being urged to check if they are eligible for the grant.

Since the start of the pandemic, the council has been supporting local businesses and administering the government’s rates holiday for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses, as well as the grant schemes for small businesses.

We have so far paid 87% of all the retail, leisure and hospitality grants - a total of £25,040,000 so far - and are continuing to process grant payments for eligible businesses, while encouraging those who have not been in touch to contact us.

Last month we launched the discretionary grants scheme and processed over 300 applications. The grant payments are for £2,500, £5,000 and £10,000 for micro and small businesses, and for sole traders or limited companies up to £2,500, which will be paid out shortly.

Councillor Sade Bright, Cabinet Member for Employment, Skills and Aspiration said: “All through the pandemic, we have continued to support local businesses to help them stay afloat and save jobs – something we are committed to continue to help them during these trying times.

“I urge all local businesses to get in touch to see if they qualify and see how the council can help them continue trading in the borough.”

The government has made the decision that the business grant schemes will close by Friday 28 August, so businesses that are eligible for a grant and have not already been in touch, can do so by emailing businessforum@lbbd.gov.uk